OSLO, Norway, August 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Tesla offers Model S customers free, fast charging for convenient long distances drives

Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) today unveiled its highly anticipated European Supercharger network, energizing stations across Norway that enable Model S owners to conveniently travel for free between cities along well-traveled highways throughout the country.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130830/637599 )

With locations in Lyngdal, Aurland, Dombås, Gol, Cinderella and Lillehammer, Norway's most vital and commonly used roads and highways are covered by Tesla Superchargers. Model S customers can drive routes such as the E6 from Trondheim to Oslo, the E18 from Oslo to Kristiansand, the E39 from Kristiansand to Stavanger, and Highway7 from Oslo to Gol for free and with minimal stops. Approximately 90 percent of the Norwegian population lives within 320 km of a Supercharger station, and about 60 percent of the country's total land mass is within the same distance of a station.

Tesla Superchargers represent the most advanced charging technology in the world, capable of charging Model S 20x faster than most common charging stations. Superchargers provide half a charge in about 20 minutes, delivering up to 120 kW DC (Direct Current) power directly to the Model S battery using special cables that bypass the onboard charging equipment. And because Superchargers are located where customers want to stop, near amenities like roadside diners, cafes and shopping centers, road trippers can stop for a quick meal while their Model S charges for free.

The extensive coverage provided by Tesla's Supercharger network allowed three Model S to depart for Oslo this morning from locations in the north, west and south of Norway and travel the following major routes with ease: Trondheim-Dombås-Lillehammer-Oslo; Bergen-Aurland-Gol-Oslo; and Stavanger-Lyngdal- Cinderella-Oslo. During their 500 km journeys, each car charged at two of the new Tesla Supercharger locations, where they were met by enthusiastic customers and local officials. Throughout the day, the drives were chronicled on Tesla's Twitter feed @TeslaMotors and our new European account, @Tesla_Europe, via the hashtag #EuroSupercharger and on Tesla's Facebook page.

About Tesla

Tesla Motors' (NASDAQ: TSLA) goal is to accelerate the world's transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered over 15,000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries. Deliveries of Model S in Europe started this summer.

About Model S

Model S is the world's first premium sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, meticulously designed and engineered to elevate the public's expectations of what a car can be. At the heart of Model S is the proven Tesla powertrain, delivering both unprecedented range and a thrilling drive experience. With a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity, Model S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from world's best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a premium sedan.

Setting the bar for electric driving range, Model S offers 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery options, delivering unprecedented range of up to 500 km (on the NEDC drive cycle) with the 85 kWh variant. Both batteries are contained within the same enclosure, integrating with the vehicle in the same way, providing structural, aerodynamic, and handling advantages. The batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimum energy density, thermal management, and safety.

Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and includes a second trunk under the hood. The interior features a 17" in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities.

Press contact:
EUPress@teslamotors.com

Press IMAGES:
https://teslamotors.box.com/s/al4yg5ms10nifvay1ir2; password: tesla1press

Press Links:
Supercharging video: http://vimeo.com/72839436
Twitter: @Tesla_Europe
Hashtag: #EuroSupercharger
Website: http://www.teslamotors.com/

SUPERCHARGER ROUTES:
Route 1: Trondheim - Dombås - Lillehammer - Oslo
Route 2: Bergen - Aurland - Gol - Oslo
Route 3: Stavanger - Lyngdal - Cinderella - Oslo

SOURCE Tesla Motors Inc